MattersPublic SafetyFirst seen Jan 31, 2025Last discussed May 19, 2026
E-Comm 911 dispatch contract
ApprovedLangford’s E-Comm agreement covers police dispatch services, with an estimated 2026 levy of about $1.99 million. The service is required for police response, and the cost shifted to Langford and other southern Vancouver Island municipalities in 2025.
Where it stands: 2026 dispatch agreement authorized May 19, 2026; staff directed to report back after governance reforms.
Timeline
Every time this matter appeared in council records, newest first.
2026 dispatch agreement authorized with follow-up report requested
Council authorized the Mayor and CAO/Corporate Officer to enter an agreement with E-Comm 911 for police dispatch services and directed staff to report back after E-Comm implements governance & finance recommendations.
Discussion
Council expressed frustration that municipalities on southern Vancouver Island are being required to assume costs previously funded by the province; motion authorizes continuation of service while awaiting E-Comm governance changes and further options reporting.
Decision: Authorized signing of an agreement with E-Comm 911 and directed staff to report back.
Passed 5–0
Short-term dispatch agreement authorized as costs shift to municipalities
Council authorized entering into an agreement with E‑Comm 911, directed negotiations for post‑2025 services, directed exploration of alternatives, and required staff to continue requesting a detailed invoice breakdown for the nearly $1.3M 2025 charge.
Decision: Authorized an agreement with E‑Comm 911, directed negotiations, alternatives exploration, and invoice breakdown requests.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Directed staff to continue requesting a detailed invoice breakdown for E‑Comm charges.
Passed 7–0
- Mike WignellAsks · Budget and sidewalks
Questions how prior forecasts account for listed costs and CRD levies, urges spending within available means, and asks about Woodlands valuation and temporary sidewalks. - Mike MortonConcerned · Municipal services and recreation
Urges attention to road markings, overflowing garbage bins, and youth recreation, and says sidewalk infill should remain funded through development charges. - Lisa FoxhallConcerned · Budget cost savings
Urges budget savings through reduced administration costs and City Hall renovations, developer contributions for sidewalks, and protection from further tax increases. - Andrew EllenAsks · E-Comm 911 fee
Questions why the anticipated E-Comm 911 cost was absent from recent five-year financial plans despite provincial signals since 2019. - Derek FergusonConcerned · Budget, survey, and E-Comm 911
Urges needs-based spending, more open-ended budget survey questions, and collective advocacy against the E-Comm 911 cost. - Josh RalphConcerned · Budget, survey, and E-Comm 911
Urges needs-based spending, an E-Comm contingency, and a less biased survey with open input and separate vehicle and bike infrastructure questions.
- Mike WignellAsks · Budget and sidewalks